The company is seeking to make the implementation of AI infrastructure easier by acting as a single provider when it comes to data centres, power generation, connectivity, and associated infrastructure.

Helix is going to meet the increasing demand from hyperscalers as the increase in investment across the digital infrastructure is driven through AI workloads.

Helix Digital Infrastructure with $10bn will be led by Adam Selipsky, who was the former Amazon Web Services CEO. Selipsky will lead as CEO while KKR Global Head of Digital Infrastructure Waldemar Szlezak will join as chief investment officer.

The company said it planned to invest in transmission infrastructure, fibre networks, and hyperscale data centres as well as power generation. Nvidia will be a strategic technology partner to assist with deployments built on its AI factory architecture, and Vistra will be the chosen power supplier for Helix.

KKR said the launch comes as AI happens to be driving one of the largest infrastructure constructions in history, with the need for data centres and electricity rising exponentially. Industry estimates say that trillions of dollars will be needed worldwide in the next decade in order to support AI-related infrastructure.

According to Helix, it will provide hyperscalers a more uniform approach to infrastructure installation, reducing the complexity of engaging with multiple vendors throughout power and connectivity as well as data centre construction.

As per the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, the demand for AI infrastructure is continuing to rise rapidly as cloud providers compete to boost AI capacity.

Notably, the company is supported by KKR’s infrastructure platform, which holds over US$100 billion in infrastructure assets worldwide. Following the first round of funding, Helix remarked that it is accessible to more institutional investors.

The alliance forms part of the 5-Year Integrated Strategic Business Plan of Telecom Namibia’ which is aimed at fostering sustainable growth, boosting market share and improving the customer experience via strategic partnerships as well as innovative solutions.

It is well to be noted that the agreement is based on an open-access infrastructure model, enabling Telecom Namibia to connect to the fibre network from Lightstruck to provide high-speed internet services to both residential as well as business customers. This is consistent with the goals outlined in the 2025/26 Annual Operating Plan – AOP by Telecom Namibia that is designed to fast-track fibre rollout and accelerate digital transformation throughout the country.

Lightstruck is a network facilities licensee, authorised by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia – CRAN as an open-access infrastructure provider liable for the installation, upkeep, and operation of fibre networks. The partnership will enable Telecom Namibia to take advantage of the infrastructure of Lightstruck to deliver IP-based services across its end-users, guaranteeing superior quality and dependable connectivity.

This collaboration that fast-tracks fibre links is also of critical importance to address the persistent problem of copper theft and network vandalism. Telecom Namibia is stepping up the move from copper-based infrastructure to fibre, which will lower its reliance on theft-prone assets, especially in high-risk areas. Fibre networks are not only quicker and more reliable; they are less susceptible and hence offer a more stable network and a more consistent and safe service for customers.

The partnership is built on a completely managed OPEX-based model which allows Telecom Namibia to efficiently grow the footprint of its services while upholding high service standards. Services will be delivered and operated via the service portal from Lightstruck, delivering a streamlined operation and better customer experience.

According to Dr Stanley Shanapinda, the Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Namibia, “The signing of this partnership with Lightstruck marks another key milestone in our fibre expansion journey. It reflects our commitment to leveraging open-access networks to accelerate connectivity, enhance customer choice, and deliver innovative, high-quality digital services. Through this collaboration, we are embracing infrastructure sharing as a strategic approach to avoid duplication of efforts, fast-track network deployment, and improve overall efficiency in the sector. At a time when copper theft remains a daily occurrence and continues to disrupt services, the transition to fibre strengthens the resilience and reliability of our network infrastructure. We are confident that this partnership will significantly strengthen our ability to provide reliable broadband solutions and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s digital transformation.”

Says Director at Lightstruck, Mr Szacky Nujoma, “We are proud to partner with Telecom Namibia in advancing fibre connectivity across Namibia through an open-access model. As a neutral infrastructure provider, our focus is on enabling service providers to deliver high-quality services over a reliable network. This collaboration underscores the value of shared infrastructure in driving competition, efficiency, and improved access to next-generation connectivity. We are particularly encouraged by the strong commitment from shareholders, who are prepared to invest the necessary capital, and therefore do not foresee any funding constraints. We are excited about this partnership and the meaningful impact it will have in accelerating Namibia’s digital transformation.”

As part of the deal

• Lightstruck’s open access network is to be used by Telecom Namibia so as to provide services to end-users.
• Lightstruck deploys and maintains fibre infrastructure and networks.
• Provisioning and managing services via Lightstruck’s service portal.

Interestingly, Lightstruck’s network has gone live in Rocky Crest, Osona Village, Khomasdal, Dorado Park, and Rehoboth, enabling Telecom Namibia customers in these areas to immediately access fibre services via this partnership. Both organisations are well placed to use current fibre infrastructure so as to speed up fibre take-up and enhance broadband accessibility in these areas. The partnership also provides a migration path for present Telecom Namibia customers to fibre-based services, in which coverage is accessible, allowing them to access faster, more dependable connectivity.

The partnership that fast-tracks fibre links brings together broad customer base and service capabilities from Telecom Namibia with the growing open-access fibre network Lightstruck as the demand for rapid, reliable and dependable internet continues to rise. The partnership is anticipated to improve customer engagement and drive the broader digital evolution of communities and businesses throughout Namibia.

Nokia will supply low- and mid-band next-gen 5G and AI RAN technologies in order to build a high-performance and AI-ready network that is capable of handling rising demand for digital services as part of the agreement.

The upgrade is anticipated to enhance network capacity, coverage, and efficiency, allowing for responsive applications and services, including immersive entertainment and gaming. It also matches with the long-term plan of IOH to broaden digital access throughout the archipelago of Indonesia.

The enhanced network infrastructure will also enable enterprise use cases throughout various sectors such as public services and industry as well as digital services.

Justin Hotard, Nokia CEO, said that the future of networks will be characterized by how operators integrate connectivity and intelligence as well as scale. The collaboration with Indosat and NVIDIA, according to him, is to expand 5G coverage and enable novel services and business models that are powered by AI.

The companies stated the project goes well beyond conventional network upgrades and establishes connectivity as a foundation for intelligence by adopting AI-RAN technology. AI-RAN combines AI workloads and radio access networks on a common infrastructure, offering efficiency and new possibilities when it comes to AI services.

As part of the initiative, Indosat and Nokia, as well as Nvidia, plan to start AI-RAN trials in the field within Indonesia by the end of 2026.

Together with Indosat, we will be able to further enhance the operator’s capability to provide a more seamless digital experience while supporting the inclusive digital transformation goals of Indonesia, said Vikram Sinha, the Indosat president director and CEO.

According to Senior Vice President of Telecommunications at Nvidia, Ronnie Vasishta, Indosat and Nokia are showing what a 5G network looks like when it turns into the platform for intelligence. Building on their AI-RAN collaboration and working towards field trials in Indonesia, they are shaping an architecture where AI as well as connectivity can work together in order to drive productivity, facilitate new applications, and promote digital transformation at scale.

The move is part of an attempt to revitalize the traditional carrier as digitization becomes a national priority.

Charles Borome Razafimahatratra, the new CEO of GETESA, announced a rapid and short-term plan whereby network modernization is an important aspect.

The plan was recently presented to the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue.

A Tech Refresh

With an objective by Equatorial Guinea to bolster its digital infrastructure, the initial phase of the strategy will last 12 months. This involves optimizing the national telecommunications network, broadening mobile as well as internet coverage, and, in general, digitally transforming the business by purchasing modern equipment.

The program also looks forward to reactivating the country’s fibre optic network, which at present has been utilized only by SEGESA, the national electricity company, so as to link its power substations.

Apparently, other important efforts include the introduction of 5G services and the establishment of public Wi-Fi networks throughout the cities of Bata, Malabo, and Oyala and also in rural and urban communities throughout the country.

The strategy also includes regular improvements to the energy as well as technical infrastructure of the company. The other significant aspect is the full digitalization of operations from GETESA with a paperless management system with a view to lowering logistics expenses. The company also plans to introduce a financial platform referred to as Getesa Money, which will offer electronic payment services.

The roadmap also includes restoration of international roaming as well as launching of eSIM technology.

Connectivity problems continue

The modernization effort comes amid significant obstacles for telecommunications network of Equatorial Guinea. Cyberteq, a consulting firm, went ahead and did an audit, the inferences of which were presented in April 2026. It identified quite prominent shortcomings when it came to network speed, equipment, and capacity, as well as technical planning.

The report also cited aging infrastructure along with slow data transmission speeds in addition to dropped calls due to congestion on the network.

Cyberteq presented an itinerary to address these shortcomings by upgrading technology, boosting network capacity, and implementing an investment strategy so as to improve service quality as well as expand coverage, in accordance with the digital transformation goals of the country.

Also in April 2026, Mason, the consulting firm, recommended that Equatorial Guinea connect to the Medusa submarine cable, which would serve as the second international undersea cable of the country. The project will have a price tag of anywhere between €20 million and €60 million, which is equivalent to $23.3 million to $70 million, and aims to minimize internet downtime and improve network reliability and service quality. The infrastructure is anticipated to be fully operational between 2029 and 2030.

A Basis for Digital Transformation

Once repaired and fully operational, the GETESA network could serve as the foundation of the digital transformation strategy of Equatorial Guinea. Better facilities and service quality could speed up the digitalization of the national economy, with connectivity being an essential tool for both the private and public sectors.

When it comes to households, improved connectivity would enhance accessibility to important digital services such as communications, online learning, mobile financial services, and entertainment platforms. Better digital infrastructure would help businesses become more competitive, grow the scope for e-commerce, boost the uptake of cloud-based services, and allow more sophisticated digital management tools to be used.

By the end of 2025, Equatorial Guinea had 885,000 mobile subscribers, with a mobile penetration rate of 45.4%, as reported by DataReportal. The country also had 1.18 million Internet users, or 60.4% of the overall population.

The latest expansion of 4G LTE in Ethiopia is part of the ongoing program from Ethio telecom for network modernization as well as broadband expansion, with the goal to expand LTE coverage far beyond major urban centers as well as regional capitals.

Operator details show that Oromia, along with Amhara, forms the biggest portion of the new towns connected, making up about two-thirds of the most recent rollout. Smaller expansions have been reported in the Gambella, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Somali as well as Afar regions.

The regional distribution illustrates a continuous effort to expand broadband availability to high-population areas, in addition to historically underserved populations, in support of broader digital connectivity goals along with broad access to standard mobile broadband services.

The expansion comes as Ethio telecom operations are speeding up network modernization. Over the course of time, the operator has carried out several LTE expansion initiatives and upgrades to its infrastructure in an effort to broaden broadband coverage and enhance service quality across the country.

The rising demand for mobile financial services, online education, digital commerce, and government digital platforms continues to push the want for faster and, of course, more dependable connectivity beyond the major urban centers of Ethiopia. The extended LTE coverage is anticipated to enable these services and promote digital inclusion throughout newly connected communities.

This latest rollout is a further move in the ongoing efforts made by Ethio telecom to expand access to high-speed mobile internet services in the wide range of geographical areas throughout Ethiopia.

SoftBank Group announced recently that it intends to make investments of as much as €75bn to setup 5GW AI data centers in France.

As part of phase one of the project, €45 billion will create 3.1 GW of AI data centre capability at an array of locations throughout northern France, which will include Dunkirk, Bosquel as well as Bouchain.

These new locations will be operational starting in 2031, with other places to be disclosed at a later time.

It is well to be noted that SoftBank Group will partner with EDF, the French national energy company, and digital automation specialist company Schneider Electric all through the project.

According to Masayoshi Son, the CEO of SoftBank, “SoftBank is proud to make this major commitment to France. “With its industrial capabilities, talent base, and national ambition, France is uniquely positioned to become a leading AI infrastructure hub in Europe.”

The French government welcomed the decision, additionally emphasizing the favorable conditions for setting up 5GW AI data centers in France.

The Minister of Economy, Finance & Industrial, Energy & Digital Sovereignty, Roland Lescure, said that “SoftBank’s decision to invest massively in AI datacenters in France – a first for the group in Europe – is testament to President Emmanuel Macron’s ambition to position France as a leading destination all along the AI value chain. It reflects our country’s substantial assets: fast access to the most reliable electrical grid in Europe, a strong digital and industrial ecosystem with a skilled workforce, and a government that works in unison with local authorities and stakeholders to fast-track procedures for strategic projects.”

France has quickly grown into the European frontrunner when it comes to AI data centres, with large tech and telco consortium AION announcing plans to develop an AI gigafactory in the nation as recently as May 2026.

For SoftBank, however, this declaration serves as an extension to its Stargate Project, which promises to develop $500 billion worth of AI infrastructure in collaboration with OpenAI across the next four years.

SoftBank continues to grow its AI capacity and go further into the AI value chain. In May 2026, the company said it planned to develop its own batteries so as to power its very own artificial intelligence data centres – AI data centres and proposed that these batteries may ultimately be sold to other companies.

SK hynix’s announcement is part of a trend of Omniverse-based twin fabs. SK hynix and SKT disclosed the work first at the APEC summit on October 30, 2025, with Samsung announcing its own Omniverse fab digital twins one day later, inside a 50,000-GPU AI Megafactory.

The world’s largest devoted semiconductor foundry, TSMC, unveiled its own version of an Omniverse fab environment, FabTwin, for assessing process-tool configurations.

The fabs from SK hynix in NVIDIA omniverse twin announcements adds to a list of companies that NVIDIA has been courting for months. NVIDIA announced Foxconn, Belden, Caterpillar, Lucid Motors, Toyota, TSMC as well as Wistron are building Omniverse factory digital twins at its GTC Washington, D.C., event on October 28, 2025.

SKT says it will implement Agentic Digital Twin Modeling based on the NVIDIA Agent Toolkit so as to automate the data transformation work of transforming equipment and spatial data into a functional virtual environment.

The fab-twin push is based on the same AI demand which is driving the core business of NVIDIA. SK hynix is a key supplier of the high-bandwidth memory that forms part of the AI accelerators that come from NVIDIA. The increase of HBM orders has driven memory makers to increase capacity at a rate where layout and process errors are costly. SK hynix said its quarterly net profit soared fivefold on booming demand for the memory in first-quarter earnings reported in April 2026, the WSJ reported.

Hindy made the remarks while in a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to discuss the work plans of the ministry and follow up on ongoing initiatives, the cabinet said.

In the meeting, Hindy said that the ministry is working on growing mobile phone manufacturing under the presidential initiative “Egypt Makes Electronics” by promoting companies to produce domestically and increasing local parts usage, which would help satisfy local demand and boost exports to international and regional markets.

He pointed out that there are currently 15 brands manufacturing mobile phones in Egypt and also said that production will likely exceed 15 million units in a year.

Hindy also mentioned the continuous investment in the enhancement of digital infrastructure, which includes the expansion of fixed internet networks, the substitution of copper cables with fibre optics as well as the rollout of 5G services. He said there are also attempts in the pipeline to improve the network coverage across the country by ramping up the total number of telecom towers along with upgrading current networks.

He added that the target is to set up around 3,000 new towers in 2026 and over 9,000 towers over the three years.

His remarks emerged as the National Telecom Regulatory Authority – NTRA said in April 2026 that internet use had surged across the country, with 7.9 million additional mobile internet users registered and mobile internet usage rising by 12% as compared to 2025.

The minister had also looked at opportunities for investment in the communications and information technology industry, such as outsourcing and data centres, both existing as well as planned, the cabinet said.

He said he had met with officials of many of the world’s biggest outsourcing companies to talk about investment possibilities, plans for expanding in Egypt and ways to promote the growth of business.

He said the meetings come with regard to these firms’ investment expansion plans in Egypt through 2028, in addition to efforts to improve the competitiveness of Egypt as a global center for IT service exports.

The ministry is also working on investment strategies for tech parks to attract greater numbers of outsourcing companies, he added.

The minister said the outsourcing exports are anticipated to grow from $5.2 billion in 2025 to $6 billion in 2026. He additionally pointed out the signing of a collaborative protocol with the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade so as to include electronics and semiconductor-designing services within the program for the growth of exports.

Hindy said the ministry is functioning on a national strategy to govern the setting up of data centres, in collaboration with the appropriate ministries and state bodies.

The strategy is to make greater use of the geographic position of Egypt by creating an investment map and providing incentives to attract large-scale data center investments to promote cloud-based computing along with artificial intelligence services, both for domestic and international markets, he said.

In addition to investing over $6bn in telecom infra in Egypt, there is also a strategy to increase exports of digital services as well as promote the adoption of renewable energy for connectivity facilities, he added.

Official figures show that the information technology and telecommunications sector now accounts for over 6% of Egypt’s GDP in 2026, with digital exports reaching $7.4 billion in 2025.

The technical and commercial viability of the project will be managed by APTеlесоm, which happens to be Florida-based.

SCNX3 will first connect Chennai and Singapore, with potential extra landings in Malaysia and Thailand as well as Indonesia. The initial phase of the assignment is expected to cost USD 350 million, whereas a broader vision for a 22,000-km network may cost as much as USD 1bn in the final phase.

Project stakeholders say the corridor covers marketplaces of around 1.85 billion people. The India-Singapore route represents a major digital corridor in Asia, where route variety and network durability continue to be of key concern to telecom planners.

The evaluation of SCNX3 is indeed a critical step forward in bolstering the digital backbone of Southeast and South Asia. This novel system will create a robust and trusted new route among India and Singapore as well as key regional hubs that will help promote economic growth and digital integration as well as the rapid development of cloud computing and AI-based capabilities throughout one of the world’s most vibrant markets.

The contract will see a study by APTelecom focusing on route engineering, commercialisation strategy, and financial modelling, along with regulatory pathways for the project.

SCNX3 will continue to require considerable private sector funding before it reaches its monetary close. According to industry observers, interest from hyperscalers and cloud providers as well as AI operators is expected to drive sustained commercial momentum in order to feed the project.

The agency said it was funding a feasibility analysis that would pave the way for the installation of about 1,500 mobile communications base stations built in the United States throughout Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin as well as Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on millions of people in deprived and off-grid communities.

The project will use wireless technology developed by US-based Vanu Inc., which builds software-based radio systems for tough and low-income settings.

The move of promoting wireless infrastructure throughout West Africa underscores Washington’s deepening engagement in Africa’s digital infrastructure sector as geopolitical rivalry with China intensifies, with Chinese firms having long led telecom expansion initiatives all over the continent.

Says Thomas Hardy, the Deputy Director of the US Trade and Development Agency, the effort will provide reliable and cost-effective connectivity to the internet and create possibilities for American companies in developing markets.

He adds that “USTDA is bringing private sector solutions to unlock widespread, affordable, trusted internet access in off-grid communities across West Africa. By helping American companies compete in these critical markets, we are offering an alternative to insecure infrastructure while creating export opportunities that make America more prosperous.”

For Vanu Côte d’Ivoire, the study will look into continuing telecommunications infrastructure, market dynamics, options for financing and regulatory frameworks in the four West African countries.

Apparently, it is Vernonburg Group LLC, which is Georgia-based, that has been chosen to offer technical expertise to evaluate and promote financing mobilization procedures for the planned rollout.

The project might significantly enhance connectivity in rural areas where millions still rely on inadequate 2G and 3G services or are totally disconnected from digital networks, industry experts say.

The planned deployment is additionally anticipated to create greater possibilities for American digital infrastructure service providers, such as suppliers of wireless systems and network management platforms as well as broadband support technologies.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Vanu Inc., Andrew Beard, Vanu Inc.’s technology was purpose-built to provide broadband access in financially challenging terrain.

The initiative, he said, would show that sustainable telecom services could be provided cost-effectively in remote areas which have been ignored by established operators.

The project could assist speed the implementation of secure digital infrastructure worldwide and promote U.S. exports and investment opportunities, said Beard.

The decision comes as African governments face mounting pressure from Western nations to broaden critical infrastructure cooperation and lessen reliance on Chinese technology vendors in response to growing global concerns concerning cybersecurity and digital sovereignty as well as strategic control of communications networks.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency stated the initiative supports its wider mission of encouraging the creation of critical infrastructure in emerging markets while also encouraging the export of trusted American tech.